Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Each day at Kidsfirst King Street brings a perfect balance of consistent routines and discovery time, helping your child develop confidence in both structured and self-directed learning. Through Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, our tamariki experience rich learning opportunities that build strong foundations for future success.
Under the guidance of fully qualified, registered kaiako, tamariki participate in programmes that reflect both their individual interests and whānau aspirations. As tamariki contribute their ideas to planning, they become confident learners who feel valued and heard.
Regular adventures into the heart of Rangiora offer our tamariki authentic opportunities to become active community members. Visits to local businesses, the library, and community services help tamariki develop social confidence while building meaningful connections. Through these experiences, tamariki learn valuable life skills – from road safety awareness to social interaction – while discovering what makes our place special.
In our Big Backyard, tamariki embrace their role as kaitiaki of the natural world. This outdoor sanctuary provides daily opportunities for tamariki to observe seasonal changes, care for living things and develop a deep connection with their natural environment. These experiences also nurture environmental awareness and a lasting respect for Papatūānuku, creating lifelong learners who are passionate about the world around them.
Nau mai, tauti mai – make a time to visit us and remember, you’re always welcome at Kidsfirst.
Why Kidsfirst Kindergartens
With over 100 years of proud legacy, Kidsfirst Kindergartens is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and leads kindergartens across Canterbury, the West Coast and Central Otago. Generations of South Island tamariki and whānau have passed through our gates, and we have strong ties to local communities.
Our kindergartens are down to earth places with warm, nurturing teachers with a rich range of resources and environments to explore.
One of the hallmarks of our kindys is that you’re always welcome here – whānau are encouraged to visit and stay, and take part in kindergarten life. We love it when families share their skills, and culture too – our kindergartens are some of the most diverse learning environments around, and children learn best when teachers and whānau work together.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Curriculum, guides our teaching and learning programmes, while the kindergarten philosophy underpins all we do. Tamariki learn through play in their own time, through their own interests, guided by trained teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council of New Zealand. You’ll often find our kindergartens located on, or near, local primary schools. Preparation for school and a smooth transition are a key part of the work for our kaiako.
Our kaiako are overseen by Professional Leaders with a focus on quality and ensuring the highest educational standards. Formerly known as the Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association, Kidsfirst – and its kindergartens – consistently receive strong reports from the Education Review Office. You can read more about their assessment of our governing organisation here.
What Families Say
Latest News
Thank you, Countdown!
A huge ngā mihi nui, thank you, to our friends at Countdown Northwood in Christchurch, who have donated two bottles of Cancer Society SPF50 sunscreen to each of our kindergartens. Countdown Northwood Manager, Joe Keetley, is a Kidsfirst King Street dad, who knows how hard we work to keep our tamariki safe in these warmer months. Thanks again, Countdown, kei hea kē mai koe! You’re awesome.
Hand sanitiser stock up for kindy!
All of our kindergartens are not-for-profit, and we are always so grateful for the extra support whānau and businesses give us. Thanks to Kidsfirst King Street dad, Joe, who is also the Manager of Countdown Northwood, for boosting the hand sanitiser stocks of all of our kindergartens, with a generous donation of 864 bottles! Ngā mihi nui, Joe, we’re all the more kindy safe, thanks to you
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
